Tamaraws see themselves as biggest enemy

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University hopes to bury the embarrasment of last year’s campaign when it had to sack its top player under suspicious circumstances as the Tamaraws look forward to its semifinal series against La Salle on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

FEU needs to beat La Salle just once to advance to the finals.

In the other semifinals, Ateneo, also enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, faces Adamson.

Coach Glenn Capacio said their concern is not the Green Archers but themselves as he tries to make his team focus not on the past but the present.

"Sa nakikita ko ang pinakamahirap naming kalaban ay yung sarili namin," said Capacio in assessing his forthcoming matchup. “Dapat di kami maging complacent.”

The Tamaraws gained the No. 1 spot on Saturday when they recovered from six points down to beat Ateneo, 74-72, a victory that earned them their 12th win against two defeats. Ateneo finished second at 11-3.

FEU also knows that its success depends on how RR Garcia, Aldresh Ramos, Reil Cervantes and Terrence Romeo will perform against the athletic La Salle squad.

When the trio seemed to be out of sorts, La Salle handed them a shocking 80-66 drubbing, one of just two losses for the Tamaraws this season.

The loss was considered an aberration and the Tamaraws quickly regrouped, winning all their succceeding games, making them heavy favorites to go all the way.

That loss, however, maybe at the back of their minds as the Tamaraws, enjoying the benefit of height and experience, will be facing a team known for speed and quick ball movements.

But FEU will have a bigger mission at hand. And this is to finally close the book on last year’s embarassment where management shocked the league when it decided to suspend its top player, Mac Baracael, during the crucial semifinal series.

The Tams eventually lost the series to underdog University of the East despite enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.

"Ayaw na namin maulit yung nangyari last season," said Capacio. “Pero hangga't maari di na dapat umabot sa second game."

Capacio is also hoping that Jens Knuttel and Carl Bryan Cruz would recover from their sore eyes in time for their Thursday’s game.

"Kailangan doble ang preparation namin kasi ang La Salle grabe ang pressure defense talagang idi-disrupt ka," Capacio said.

"Sana din gumaling na yung mga players namin at sana hindi kami magkahawaan dahil kulang na kami."

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin